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Voter registration in Kentucky has closed for eligible voters, but Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is encouraging non-eligible voters to sign up for a mock election.

“From the moment I could read I was reading precinct lists and the moment I could walk, walking door to door to help get out the vote on Election Day,” said Grimes.

For those who aren’t working the polls or involved in politics early on Grimes says the mock election is a chance to show students how voting works and why it’s important. Schools, classrooms and individual students can sign up through the Secretary of State’s website to cast their ballots next month.

In 2008, nearly 100,000 Kentucky students cast their ballots in classrooms and at computers across the state. Forty-eight percent of the vote went to Republican John McCain’s ticket, while 47 percent voted for then-Senator Barack Obama’s ticket.

Grimes said the mock election is a great way for schools to engage students in government and to instill the culture of voting in youth.

“They may not be eligible to vote yet, but it’s important to instill in them the responsibility of being a citizen and making sure to be involved in issues that matter to them,” Grimes said.

The mock election will be held Nov. 1. Registration for students will close on Oct. 31.

Voter registration in Kentucky has closed for the Nov. 6 general election and Grimes says voter turnout estimates are expected to be released next week.